Apparently, downsizing is so 2016. New housing trends indicate a move to bigger (not tinier). 

Season is almost here and the Ocean Reef real estate market has already started to rev up after its summer snooze. Like the rest of the country, we’ve noticed the upsizing trend really pick up in our little hamlet; and some of our young families are skipping the starter-home size all together. 

According to Zillow.com research, young consumers are beginning to prioritize space. A whopping 56 percent of millennials said that having a large home is important to them, compared with 42 percent of Gen Xers and just 35 percent of baby boomers.
Studies argue that several factors could be impacting the shift in housing trends including the strength of the national economy. But how do you feel about the influence that television has on this trend?

When’s the last time you watched HGTV? Have you noticed the size of homes on their shows? We’ve definitely noticed the dining tables that seat 12 people! We’ve also noted that new census data shows that the median square footage of new homes is up 20 percent since 2000, from about 2,000 square feet to about 2,500 square feet. Add to that the shift in how homes are designed, with a nod to larger, open spaces. Gone are the days of rigid, closed-off eating spaces or television rooms.

What about you? Does size matter?

Check out Investopedia's thoughts: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/111715/5-reasons-retirees-are-upsizing-instead-downsizing-their-homes.asp


Samantha Ochoa, Sales Associate
Watson Luxury Properties
Posted by Roberta Watson on October 30th, 2018 2:05 PM


Investing without a return can burn! Good thing we’ve found a list of four types of renovations that are better left undone, including a study that the National Association of Realtors came out with on the different characteristics that increase and decrease the price of new housing.

We do take this list with a grain of salt since we are such a unique community; heck, most of the time we set and follow our own trends. However, according to Andrew at BiggerPockets, four things to add to your “Thou Shalt Not” list when it comes to rehabbing your properties include: Fixing a Property Up Too Nicely, Awkward Additions or Upgrades That Don’t Fit the Property, and Upgrades That Are Mostly Just a Headache.

Of all the information packed into this article, the fact that the National Association of Realtor’s still finds that adding a pool adds a whopping zero percent to the sales price never ceases to shocks us!

Do you believe that a pool adds to a home’s sale price? If so, why?



Samantha Ochoa, Sales Associate
Watson Luxury Properties

Posted by Roberta Watson on October 20th, 2018 10:17 AM

We love The Lighter Side of Real Estate for a little comic relief in our line of work. However, sometimes they post an article or two we find to be pretty interesting, especially when concepts are related to our unique community’s real estate market.

Take this article for example: 4 Reasons You Should Sell Your Starter Home Right Now.

With the off-season coming to a close, inventory in Ocean Reef has disappeared and prices are about to peak as we approach our in-season hustle. Interest rates are at an all time low, and while Ocean Reef is not known for their inventory of less-than-luxury homes, it is time to trade up. So if you’ve ever had any inkling of desire to spread your wings, it’s time to take action.

Here at Watson Luxury Properties, a member owned, family operated firm at Ocean Reef, we specialize in superior customer service and the one-on-one relationship you can expect from a small business. We absolutely pride ourselves in making the buying or selling of a home a stress-free and enjoyable process for our clients. If you’re ready to upgrade (or downsize), we’re a pleasant phone call away!


Samantha Ochoa, Sales Associate
Watson Luxury Properties
Posted by Roberta Watson on October 5th, 2018 9:53 PM

Bill Gates and Steve Jobs raised their kids technology-free! Hard to believe, right? I mean, the two biggest technology moguls in our country were strict about the use of technology in their homes? Believe it.



Recently, our LinkedIn feed has been filled with articles about the physical effects of spending too much time on our phones, the damage blue light can do to your eyes, and how inactive our younger generation is – spending 7.5 hours daily in front of a screen! SCARY! Real Estate Agents particularly, know what it’s like to be constantly refreshing their MLS sites, following up with leads via email and text, and scouring the internet to keep up with real estate news and trends.

Now, I know it seems silly that this topic inspired a blog post, because, well, I typed this as I stared at my computer screen, and I only came across all this data on screen-time because I was scrolling in my LinkedIn app, but that’s the terrifying part! I bet there isn’t one person reading this that doesn’t feel they spend too much time in front of one screen or another.

The easiest ways we’ve learned to reduce daily screen time can be found right here. My personal favorites include: no screen time while eating, and setting a timer. Yes, a timer; seriously, I can get sucked into my Instagram feed and not come up for air until I’ve realized I’ve lost 30 minutes of my day!

Leave a comment below to share your tips on breaking the habit!

Other Links:

Business Insider's article on Bill Gates’ and Steve Jobs’ tech-free kiddos

WebMD tips we like on how to reduce kids screen time


Samantha Ochoa, Sales Associate
Watson Luxury Properties

Posted by Roberta Watson on August 24th, 2018 9:55 AM

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